Tipping around the holidays can be arduous task. Digging into your wallet for but another gift can be quite stressful. Making matters harder is not knowing the appropriate dollar amount to give.
What if you are not in the financial position to give at all? What is an acceptable amount to give? Should the tip be hand delivered, mailed or left outdoors for the recipient? What if you're appreciative of the services provided but do not have the funds to give a generous tip? Should money always be given as a tip?
With the help of Peter and Emily Post and many men and women who provide services to those in our area, some of your perplexing questions will be answered. One thing is for sure, showing appreciation and gratitude to those who make life easier for you throughout the year, is appropriated and welcomed. If you are not able to provide a financial tip, a simple note of appreciation is always appreciated.
Peter Post, director of the Emily Post Institute and great-grandson of Emily Post, reminds us that tipping is personal and based on our budget when he says, "Do what you can, and do it in the nicest way you possibly can." According to Mr. Post, you should "tip the people who perform services for you year-round, who are there for you when you need them and whom you have a valuable relationship with."
- Au Pair One week's pay or a family gift plus a small gift from your child
- Babysitter One evenings pay and a gift from your child
- Barber Cost of one haircut and/or a small gift
- Beauty Salon The cost of your salon service, split among staff members
- Personal Trainer Cost of one training session
- House Cleaner Cost of one weeks pay and/or a gift
- Letter Carriers Government regulations permit them to accept gifts worth up to $20*
*According to CNN Money Civil Servants are not allowed to receive cash tips. But if you wish to recognize your mail carrier, the U.S. Postal Service asks that your gratuity not exceed $20 in cash value.
According to Peter Post, while holiday tipping is ingrained in our American culture, the amount and even who is tipped can vary in different cities. There are "guidelines" for tipping and tipping etiquette, but your community and geographical location will, in the end, denote the amount of your tip. And not one etiquette expert ever shunned the idea of including a note of appreciation with their tip.
*This article appeared in Ridgefield Magazine.